Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have sat down for a rare interview on cyber abuse, insisting that parents must be their children’s “first responders”.
The clip of the Sussexes, which was released ahead of the full interview airing on CBS’ Sunday Morning this weekend, shows the couple reflecting on Prince Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex give rare interview.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
“Our kids are young — they’re three and five. They’re amazing,” Meghan said with a smile.
“But all you want to do as parents is protect them.
“So as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there, and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good.”
Journalist Jane Pauley responded that as a parent: “You hope that when your children ask for help, someone, you know, is there to give it.”
Harry added, “If you know how to help”.
“At this point, we’ve got to the stage where every parent needs to be a first responder,” he went on.
“Even the best first responders in the world wouldn’t be able to tell the signs of possible suicide. That is the terrifying piece of this.”
The teaser clip, posted to social media, came after an announcement that Harry and Meghan will visit Colombia to “engage with leaders, youth and women” later this year.
They accepted the invitation from Colombia’s vice-president Francia Márquez, with the exact timeframe unknown.
“As the vice president of Colombia and minister of equality and equity, I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country,” she said in a statement.
“The Archewell Foundation, founded by the Duke and Duchess, is renowned for its global leadership in fostering a safer online environment.
“The forthcoming conference will unveil a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, tackling issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats.
“It will offer actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world. During their visit, The Duke and Duchess, as well as The Archewell Foundation, will engage in several activities related to this important topic.
“We are confident that their visit will further illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”
The CBS interview is not the first time the couple has spoken about their concerns as their children grow up.
Speaking on a panel for World Mental Health Day in New York, Meghan said in October 2023 that she was “frightened” by the thought of her two children being on social media.
“I feel fortunate that our children are at an age, quite young, so this isn’t in our immediate future, but I also feel frightened by how it’s continuing to change,” Meghan told the audience.
“And this will be in front of us.
“As they say, ‘Being a parent, the days are long but the years are short.’
“So it worries me, but I’m also given a lot of hope and a lot of energy by the progress we’ve made in the last year.
“People are getting hurt – and people, specifically children, are dying,” she went on to say before Harry added that their goal was to “turn pain into purpose”.
“Please stop sending children content you wouldn’t want your own children to see — I think it’s a very simple request and it’s an easy fix,” he said.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.